SP_National Indigenous Peoples Day_June 20

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NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY Friendship Centre hosts Indigenous Peoples Day celebration for 20th year

Following the Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation, dignitaries will welcome the anticipated crowd of 5,000 people to the celebrations at Victoria Park.

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This year’s National Indigenous Peoples Day marks a special milestone for a local organization that has been involved almost from the event’s beginnings in 1996.

“2019 marks the 20th year the Saskatoon Indian and Métis Friendship Centre (SIMFC) has proudly hosted Canada’s Aboriginal Day celebration,” said the centre’s executive director, Robert Doucette.

Renamed from National Aboriginal Day in 2018, the annual June 21 event serves as a cultural showcase and a fun, family-friendly day in Victoria Park, while also focusing on reconciliation.

“SIMFC and the Indigenous Peoples Day committee have worked together to showcase and celebrate Aboriginal culture, music and food according to our traditions, and all the other things that are Indigenous,” said Doucette.

“It has grown tremendously over the years. You see a willingness by this community to really participate and enjoy the Aboriginal community that co-exists with them. It’s one of the basic tenets of reconciliation to live together in peace. We’re building a society where we all can live in peace.

“This year, we’re expecting over 5,000 people to attend. We’ll have artisan areas and other displays from other vendors, we’ll have children’s activities and entertainment and of course Indigenous Day wouldn’t be the same without soup and bannock.

“And all of this is free of charge. It’s our privilege and

honour to be the host organization as we have been for 20 years.”

The day begins with a pipe ceremony at 7 a.m., followed by the Grand Entry and the Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation. Everyone, regardless of age, ability or cultural background, is invited to participate.

Reconciliation Saskatoon, a group of 98 organizations and individuals, has planned the fourth annual walk for Victoria Park starting at 10 a.m., preceded by a communal warm-up session at 9:30.

Walkers are encouraged to carry a symbol or wear the traditional garb of their own heritage.

“This year we’re really focusing on (our theme) ‘reigniting the fire,’ to try and encourage organizations and individuals to respond to the calls to action that came out of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) report,” said Gilles Dorval, director of Indigenous Initiatives, Public Policy and Government Relations for the City of Saskatoon.

“We’re focusing on honouring the Indian residential school survivors, the day school participants and missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, as well as the Sixties Scoop survivors.

“We need to focus on making some changes. Re-igniting the fire means reigniting change, so we don’t have the same outcomes.”

Welcome speeches, lunch and entertainment follow the walk.

“For example, from 12 to 12:30 we’ll have the Magic City Chorus and we even

P H O T O : J E F F LYO NS

National Indigenous Peoples Day is a fun, family-friendly day in Victoria Park. P H O T O : J E FF LYO NS

have an opera singer, a young girl named Quinn Linklater, which I think is really awesome,” said Doucette. “And, of course, we’ll have the traditional fiddle music and the hoop dance.

“We have traditional and contemporary artisans from the Aboriginal community showcasing our talent. It shows our culture isn’t static but ever-evolving, and that’s a good thing.”

Doucette said gathering together people of all ages and cultures, while celebrating Indigenous culture, is a great way to build understanding and balance the perceptions of issues.

“We’re building strength, we’re moving forward, and we are an integral part of this community. Those are some of the main things that come out of this. That’s good for our society.”

Toward those goals, Dorval said a major effort is being made to include the ethnic communities of Saskatoon. A number of organizations, including The Open Door Society, the Intercultural Association and various ethno-cultur-

al groups, will also attend.

“We’re looking forward to the participation of a diverse community of Saskatoon,” Dorval said.

“Everyone that’s a citizen of Saskatoon and region needs to understand their neighbour. This is an opportunity to meet your neighbour and be educated on their roots, where they come from, and to get an understanding of the effects the Indian residential school has had on our community as a whole.”

Some of the most important changes sought through reconciliation include systemic changes to policies in justice, health and education, “so we see some equality in outcomes for graduates in education, for example; the number of children in care; and get a focus on mental health and the effect that the generational impact of Indian residential schools have had on society as a whole,” said Dorval.

For more information on the walk and other reconciliation activities happening across the province, follow Reconciliation Saskatoon on Facebook, or visit www.otc.ca.

A full afternoon of entertainment begins at 12 noon, including Indigenous singers, musicians and dancers. P H O T O : JE F F LYONS

National Indigenous Peoples Day Events Friday, June 21, Victoria Park 7:00 a.m.

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Pipe ceremony Grand Entry Marshalling for the walk (gathering) Rock Your Roots Reconciliation Walk Dignitary Speeches Sponsor Speeches Lunch Magic City Chorus Asiah Brightnose, singer Quinn Linklater, opera singer Scott Duffee, fiddler player Lawrence Roy Jr., hoop dancer Callingbear Dance Troupe Qu’Appelle Valley Square Dancers Raven Reid, singer Dreyden Strongarm, singer Rollin Baldhead, Community Round Dance Wrap up

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NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY Annual Rock Your Roots Walk a healing journey

BY PATRICIA DAWN ROBERT SON

Seven years ago, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission delivered its findings to the people of Canada. Justice Murray Sinclair – now a Manitoba Senator – chaired the Commission.

The Commission’s findings, presented as 94 Calls to Action, inspired reconciliation walks throughout the country in cities like Vancouver, Edmonton and Winnipeg.

The Calls to Action also sparked a grassroots, localized response in Saskatoon. In 2016, the first public walk was held and a popular annual tradition was born. Organizers called it the Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation.

The 2019 Rock Your Roots walk takes place on June 21 at Victoria Park in Saskatoon. This year’s theme: “ReIgniting the Fire” is an opportunity for community members to show up and join the public conversation about reconciliation.

At its root, reconciliation is about

“We must celebrate the differences versus being scared of the differences.

We all have different stories.”

-NEAL KEWISTEP

Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians working together to create a new, shared future based on a number of key criteria: reconciliation entails a shared understanding of Canada’s history; reconciliation is based on authentic relationships; it requires strong thriving cultures and social and economic systems that represent every citizen.

Reconciliation Saskatoon heeded the Commission’s Calls to Action. It’s an umbrella organization that in-

Community leaders led the way at last year’s Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation. Pictured (left to right): Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark, Shirley Isbister, Saskatoon Tribal Council Chief Mark Arcand, Saskatoon Police Chief Troy Cooper and Saskatoon Fire Chief Morgan Hackl. P H O T O : J E F F LYO NS

cludes 98 organizations, non-profits, businesses, faith communities and partners who have assembled to initiate a citywide conversation about reconciliation.

Reconciliation was not always a friendly word, says activist Neal Kewistep. “The question is how can we be different and how can we improve?” he adds.

In his former role as interim director of the Population and Public Health (PPH) in the Saskatoon Health Authority (SHA), Kewistep acted as strategic lead for cultural competency for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Kewistep is now the executive in residence at the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy. As a former student of the residential school system, the Indigenous health policy analyst brings his own story to the Rock Your Roots walk.

“We must celebrate the differences versus being scared of the

Ryan Meili and your Saskatchewan NDP Caucus Team

are proud to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples’ Day!

differences,” says Kewistep. “We all have different stories.”

The annual event has forged many strong circles, alliances and friendships says Kewistep. Its central mission – as a public event where individuals can take up the Calls to Action – has been a resounding success.

It’s important for residential school survivors to continue the open dialogue, says Kewistep. “You have to release your burdens in order to heal.

I watched my own father – who is a giant in my eyes – go through the process.

“To share your truth is to release your pain. The more we share this experience, the more support we gather.

It’s a good coping strategy to connect with other families. You are not alone,” he says.

The message Kewistep wants to convey about his and others’ grieving

their residential school trauma is that the painful process can be surmounted. The healing journey can lead to renewal, hope and optimism. “We made it!” he adds.

It’s unusual for a public commission to instigate such an animated response to a report. The urgent need for reconciliation has provided the momentum and inspiration for the grassroots movement.

“Reconciliation Saskatoon is where we hold that space for individual stories,” says Kewistep.

Reconciliation is a unique journey.

Carrie Catherine has been on this path since the inception of the walk four years ago.

Carrie Catherine is a project manager with the reconciliation network Be a ConnectR (beaconnectr.com) and an active member of Reconciliation Saskatoon. She sees the role of the

Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation as the ideal vehicle for individuals, like her, to participate directly and enact their own Call to Action.

“Even the whole exercise of our committee organizing the walk has been an exercise in reconciliation.

We worked together on the event and that prompted some good lessons,” says the Riversdale resident.

“That first year, thousands of people gathered at the walk. It made a big impact.”

The event puts a face to the “other” says Carrie Catherine. “We get the opportunity to show up, see each other and walk together.”

This year’s theme, “Re-igniting the Fire” serves as a reminder not to become complacent about the work of reconciliation. You can’t delegate reconciliation and it’s not a one-day process.

The Cultural Advisors and Elders who consult with event organizers wanted to ensure that the walk remains a dynamic place of renewed engagement where the movement can continue to act as a crucial vehicle for a city-wide conversation.

“Our mission is for people to show up and share. It’s important for people to build relationships outside of their personal networks. It takes effort to leave your private space – but when you do – you’ll make new connections. Everyone is welcome to walk.”

The June 21st event is off to an early start with a 7 a.m. Pipe Ceremony at Saskatoon’s Victoria Park (Avenue F & Spadina). A Grand Entry is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. and the Rock Your Roots Reconciliation Walk gets underway at 9:30 a.m. At noon, a public soup and bannock lunch will be served followed by entertainment and family activities.

The 2019 Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation begins tomorrow at 7 a.m. with a Pipe Ceremony at Saskatoon’s Victoria Park (Avenue F & Spadina). A Grand Entry is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. and the walk gets underway at 9:30 a.m.

PHOTO: JEFF LYONS

Putting People First caucus@ndpcaucus.sk.ca

(306) 787-7388

National Indigenous Peoples Day

Thousands of people are expected to participate in the fourth annual Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation.

Walkers are encouraged to carry a symbol or wear the traditional garb of their own heritage. PHOTO: JEFF LYONS

Canada celebrates National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day to recognize the historic and current contributions of Indigenous Peoples to the development of Canada and work toward a shared prosperous and harmonious future.

The Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan (MCoS) acknowledges the harms of our shared colonial past.

We are all treaty people. All of us have a role to move forward in the spirit of reconciliation and can take action on the TRC’s 94 Calls to Action.

The Canadian Mental Health Association (Saskatchewan Division) Inc. Recognizes and celebrates the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions

Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan

From Many Peoples Strength

mcos.ca

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Images from: Wanuskewin Heritage Park and Swift Current Online.

Helping Build Brighter Futures

First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples have made to our communities as we celebrate.

National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program

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NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY

New CEO guides Wanuskewin Heritage Park’s renewal

BY D. GRANT BLACK

When Darlene Brander was appointed as chief executive officer (CEO) of Wanuskewin Heritage Park on March 4, she was slipping comfortably back into a familiar organization.

Brander was the Aboriginal awareness coordinator at Wanuskewin almost 20 years ago (1998–2000).

Wanuskewin, located 15 minutes north of downtown Saskatoon, was created in 1997 to celebrate the history of the land and the Northern Plains Indigenous peoples people who lived and thrived here for over 6,000 years. The 145-hectare heritage park of scenic trails, interpretive sites and archaeological digs is now in several phases of renewal.

“The first pillar of our four pillars is infrastructure rejuvenation, which is an ambitious renewal that involves construction on the site that will expand Wanuskewin,” says Brander.

“We hope to see the construction projects finished in 2020. Then we’ll reveal the improvements to the public as each section is completed.”

Brander says that the Interpretive Centre and gallery spaces will be significantly larger in size by completion in 2020. When completed, the 279-square-metre Interpretive Centre will include the visitor centre offices and space for school kids to put their personal items when they visit Wanuskewin. The gift shop will be moved from one side of the hallway to the other side of the hallway; a secondary gallery will be located in its place.

“It’s going to be quite the renovation. It’s very exciting. Once we’re done, we’re looking forward to be able to reveal the new face of Wanuskewin while the bones remain the same.”

Brander, a member of Red Earth Cree Nation, grew up on a farm near Carrot River. She moved to Saskatoon to attend Saskatchewan Indian Federated College (now First Nations University of Canada) for the Native Studies program. She eventually decided to change programs, earned a Bachelor of Education at the University of Saskatchewan then taught at a Meadow Lake school for several years.

Brander says that Wanuskewin may be in construction mode but it’s still open to the public.

“We’ll still offer robust public programming throughout the summer and throughout the year. We still encourage visitors to see the progress inplay. What you may see one day you might not see the week after because the construction rate is going on so fast.”

Brander says that there are other attractions to look forward to at Wanuskewin, such as the introduction of a bison herd in 2020.

“We want to welcome the bison back to their ancestral homeland within the year. Wanuskewin is working with Parks Canada where the animals will either come from Grasslands or Elk Island National Parks,” says Brander. “We hope to start with a smaller herd and that herd will eventually grow to a bigger herd over the next decade.”

As the new CEO, Brander has a vi-

“When Wanuskewin earns the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation in 2022, we’ll be able to march successfully along that path to the inscription.”

- DARLENE BRANDER, CE O, Wa n u s ke w i n He r i t a g e P a rk

sion for Wanuskewin.

“When I applied for the position, I wanted to honour Wanuskewin’s past, thrive in the present then realize its future,” says Brander. “To honour its past, I want to ensure that Wanuskewin is a centre of excellence through education, through a sharing of ceremony, through the gathering of peoples and sharing that knowledge throughout our exhibits, programming and curriculum that we produce for the teachers that bring their students to our park.”

She says that honouring the past is combined with thriving in the present. “I get to work with this amazing, engaged and fantastic staff. When Wanuskewin earns the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation in 2022, we’ll be able to march successfully along that path to the inscription.”

As one of the strategies to compensate for the construction this summer, Brander says that they’ve created outreach programs to take the

miyo wahkohtowin Situated on Treaty 4 and Treaty 6 territories, and the Homeland of the Métis people, Sask Polytech is committed to good relationships— miyo wahkohtowin—with our Indigenous communities.

Indigenous students make up 19 per cent of our student population and this proportion is growing steadily each year. Indigenous students and employees are an important part of our community.

saskpolytech.ca/indigenous

The new CEO of Wanuskewin Heritage Park, Darlene Brander is excited to honour Wanuskewin’s past, thrive in the present and realize its future.

POSTMEDIA FILE PHOTO

Wanuskewin experience to the public outside of the park.

A special event in the evening that’s worth the drive is the Han Wi Moon Dinner (8 p.m.–11 p.m. on July 25, August 8, September 12). Han Wi is ‘moon’ in the Dakota language.

The special event starts with a 45-minute guided tour with senior staff to learn about the culture, history, and science of Wanuskewin then a memorable meal prepared by Kirk Borchardt, Wanuskewin’s executive chef, and Chef Jenni Schrenk.

The three-course meal features bison tenderloin and many seasonal delights foraged from the valley below that include wild berries, mushrooms and sunchokes. The evening ends with ancient star stories from a Dakota Star Story Teller.

“The Han Wi Moon Dinner is an immersive culinary experience that connects people with the Wanuskewin land and the story of Wanuskewin,” says Brander. “We’ll hold Han Wi dinners every month until September.”

For National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, Wanuskewin will offer free admission to a day packed with everything from traditional games and a bannock bake to wagon rides and puppet shows for the kids.

Evening entertainment under the stars includes a local band, The Rebels, and Don Burnstick, a Cree comedian from near Edmonton.

Fo r m o r e i n f o r m at i o n o n Wanuskewin Heritage Park and special events this summer, visit wanuskewin.com

PROUD TO CELEBRATE THE PEOPLE OF TURTLE ISLAND. Happy National Indigenous Peoples Day from everyone at K+S Potash Canada.

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NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY SIGA casinos across the province join in the celebration

BY RYAN HALL

Coinciding with the summer solstice, National Indigenous Peoples Day is a time to recognize the cultures and contributions of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Indigenous peoples of Canada. Once again, the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) is proud to be part of the celebrations taking place across the province on June 21.

SIGA has a long history of supporting this important day since it was first established in 1996. As a First Nations organization, and one of the largest employers of First Nations people in Canada, SIGA has a natural connection to the event.

“We’ve always endeavored to be involved, one way or another, as one of our goals is to instill pride in our, and our province’s, First Nations heritage and culture,” says Melody Lynch, director of communications for SIGA. SIGA’s commitment to First Nations people goes beyond the celebration. It includes a mandate to create opportunities via employment, support economic development through the gaming industry, and to maximize earnings for First Nations people. All of this is done by following the guiding principle Miskâsowin, which signifies the value of finding one’s sense of origin and belonging, and to do so in a positive way.

One method to accomplish this is by supporting and organizing cultural activities, such as those taking place on National Indigenous Peoples Day, which celebrate the rich diversity and important contribu-

NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY

“From fish fries, to multiple promotions and giveaways, to First Nation dancers and bands, there will be a number of activities going on that visitors can take part in,” says Melody Lynch, communications director for SIGA. P H O T O : S I G A

tions of First Nations communities.

Among them is the fourth annual Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation, which takes place beginning at 9:30 a.m. in Saskatoon’s Victoria Park. This event has drawn nearly 5,000 people and raised awareness of the strength and resilience of residential school and day school survivors, missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, and Sixties scoop survivors. The theme this year is “Re-igniting the Fire,” a reminder that everyone must commit to keeping the fire of change burning.

SIGA also hosts a variety of celebrations at their casino locations across the province. While each casino has their own programming, they all share the same goal of incorporating traditional cultural elements into the event. Even better, every activity is designed to encourage guests to join in the fun. “From fish fries, to multiple promotions and giveaways, to First Nation dancers and bands, there will be a number of activities going on that visitors can take part in,” says Lynch.

While there are too many events to list, some of the highlights planned for this year’s celebration include the Painted Hand Casino in Yorkton hosting a free concert featuring The Outlaws.

Golden Eagle Casino in North Battleford will be serving a free stew and bannock lunch for all Players Club members between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

The Swift Current Living Sky Casino will be having hourly hot seat draws from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. with winners receiving a native north-

At its seven locations across Saskatchewan, SIGA Casinos will join in celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day with events that reflect the organization’s pride in First Nations heritage and culture. P H O T O : S I G A

west water bottle featuring artwork designed by an Indigenous artist.

The newly opened Golden Horse Casino in Lloydminster will be hosting hot seat draws throughout the day, a fish fry in the parking lot during the afternoon ($9.95 per person), and a fresh bannock round to the first 100 people. Music will be provided by The High Limit Band from Onion Lake.

For a complete list of National Indigenous People’s Day events planned at each SIGA casino location, visit siga.sk.ca.

CELEBRATE NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY

SIGA follows the guiding principle Miskâsowin, which signifies the value of finding one’s sense of origin and belonging, and to do so in a positive way.

PHOTO: SIGA

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NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY Museum honours National Indigenous History Month

BY JESSE GREEN

Wi sa ke cahk, the Cree Trickster, welcomes visitors to the First Nations Gallery at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum in Regina, Sk. The alabaster and bronze sculpture was created by Cree artist Lloyd Pinay and it has stood guard over the exhibit for a quarter century. Although this curious prankster is known by many different names, ignoring social order is his specialty. Stories have been passed down from generation to generation, both to entertain and to keep traditional knowledge alive.

While June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day, the Royal Saskatchewan Museum has been commemorating and celebrating National Indigenous History all month. And, indeed, with their extensive First Nations Gallery, the museum honours our Indigenous history every day of the year.

Opening prayers will begin the celebrations on June 21 and drop-in programs and exhibits will be available throughout the day. The Regina and Saskatchewan Archaeological Societies will be on hand with activities and the chance to throw a traditional hunting tool that dates back 3,000 years.

The ingenuity and creativity of the First Peoples will be on display at the Tools and Technology exhibit. Move over Ray Bans – the original sunglasses were made from bone and wood. These goggles were made as protection against the glare from the winter snow. S’well water bottle, meet the bladder bag. The Indigenous people created vessels for water from animal parts. Tools, arrowheads and other early technology will be on display.

Alberta-rose Bear is from the George Gordon First Nation and was first involved with the Royal Saskatchewan Museum as a summer student. She learned to bead when she was a young girl, and earlier this month she led a beading workshop where participants beaded earrings or a keychain. The workshop formed part of the celebrations around National Indigenous History Month and participants were also treated to a presentation by the museum’s Aboriginal Studies curator, Dr. Evelyn Siegfried.

Earlier this month, the

museum hosted a KAIROS Blanket Exercise. This is a culturally significant experience that aims to foster truth, understanding, respect and reconciliation. Participants walk on blankets that represent the land while working through 500 years of history including pre-contact, treatymaking, colonization and resistance. Chances for the general public to participate in a Blanket Exercise are few, so the Royal Saskatchewan Museum’s workshop was significant as a sharing experience. The exercise was developed in response to a 1996 report produced by the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. It was developed with Indigenous Elders, knowledge keepers and educators.

Whether visiting for an event or just a regular day, a visit to the First Nations Gallery is sure to inform and entertain. Did you know that the Chief Paskwa Pictograph is the only known document in Canada showing the terms of a treaty from an Indigenous perspective? See the rare document in the ‘We Are All Treaty People’ exhibit.

Did you know that the 70 First Nations in Saskatchewan include many different linguistic groups? Some of them are Dene, Dakota, Saulteaux, Cree, Michif and Nakota. Wi sa ke cahk (the Trickster) is known by different names by each of these linguistic groups; some of them are Inktome, Nanabush and Old Man Coyote.

Today, the tipi is a symbol of the First Nations people. Ancient tipi rings lay as markers of the long ago camps. But, did you know that each part of the traditional tipi holds meaning? Principles of sharing, respect, humility, faith, representations of the earth and sky are symbolized by the tipi’s poles and cover and are at the roots of living in harmony.

The Royal Saskatchewan Museum features three galler-

The Royal Saskatchewan Museum invites visitors to learn about and experience First Nations history and culture. On June 21, the Regina and Saskatchewan Archaeological Societies will be on site with special exhibits and programs. Among the activities is the chance to throw a traditional hunting tool dating back 3,000 years. ROYAL SASKATCHEWAN MUSEUM/SASKAWANDERER

ies: the First Nations Gallery, the Life Sciences Gallery and the Earth Sciences Gallery.

The newest addition to the museum is a behemoth Tyrannosaurus rex. Scotty is the world’s largest T.rex and she was found in the Frenchman River Valley in 1991. Today a replica statue of Scotty graces the museum as the star of the two-tiered viewing area at the entrance to the Earth Sciences Gallery. When the exhibit was unveiled, more than 9,000 people visited the museum over the Victoria Day weekend. The Royal Saskatchewan Museum also has a location in Eastend, near where Scotty’s remains were first found.

For information on both branches of the museum and a full schedule of events for National Indigenous Peoples Day, visit their website at royalsaskmuseum.ca.

The extensive First Nations Gallery at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum honours Indigenous history every day of the year. ROYA L SA S K AT C H E WA N M U S E U M / H U S Z A R V I S UA L S

Be yourself and soar with us Your individuality is an asset Be distinct. Be original. Be yourself.

National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21. fcc.ca/Careers

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NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY

Riverwalk trail, art exhibit open June 21 at Batoche National Historic Site

BY JESSE GREEN

The Batoche National Historic Site welcomes visitors with its lively and colourful history. During National Indigenous Peoples Day, guests can expect special treats like drummers, fiddle music, bannock baked over a wood stove, beading demonstrations and Michif speakers. The Friends of Batoche, the Gabriel Dumont Institute and Batoche National Historic Site come together to celebrate this day on the summer solstice, and to provide programming and support the site throughout the year.

Along with the bannock, beading and fiddle playing, Batoche is revealing new projects on June 21. Armand Paquette’s paintings illustrate historic Batoche, Fish Creek and other significant areas. The exhibit of Paquette’s work will be unveiled this day as a reintroduction of his work to the public.

A new interpretive trail that follows the South Saskatchewan River will also be unveiled at this year’s celebration. This riverwalk project has been a collaboration with the Gabriel Dumont Institute and has resulted in a beautiful trail complete with signage that denotes the life of the fur trade and of the animals and plants that would be needed to live

National Indigenous Peoples Day is an opportunity to take in entertaining and informative activities and demonstrations at the Batoche National Historic Site. P H O T O : T O U R I S M SA S K AT C H E WA N / G R E G H U S Z A R P H O T O G R A P H Y

in that time.

The Batoche National Historic Site was the last battlefield in the Northwest Rebellion, and today visitors can see original trenches and rifle pits, the Church of St. Antione de Padoue and archaeological remains of the village.

It is a great summer destination with lots on the schedule. July 6 sees the return of the popular Louis Riel Relays and Kidfest. Test your Métis voyageur skills and endurance by canoeing, horseback riding, biking,

running and pack running in a competitive, recreational or youth relay. Live entertainment, wonderful food and pie eating contests happen in the background while the relays take centre stage.

Kidfest has all the classics: bouncy castles, petting zoo, face painting joined with traditional Métis fare like archery, live fiddle music, traditional games and a Saskatoon berry pie eating contest. Find all the details and relay sign up information at louisrielrelaydays.com.

From July 18 to 21, Back

to Batoche Days is an action-packed three days with jigging, horseshoe competitions, chariot races with artisan goods and crafts. The festival began almost 50 years ago, and is an annual celebration of Métis culture and history. Watch as men, women and children compete in the Voyageur Games with challenges like the flour sack carry, the hatchet throw and the open-pit bannock baking contest.

L a t e r t h i s y e a r, a c claimed Métis scholar and poet Gregory Scofield will

be commemorated at Batoche to honour the 175th anniversary of the birth of Louis Riel on Oct. 22, 1844.

This will be one of four bilingual ‘Bookmarks’ that Project Bookmark Canada will mark on the CanLit Trail and will feature “The Sewing Circle,” a poem from Scofield’s Louis Riel: The Heretic Poems (Nightwood Editions/Gabriel Dumont Institute, 2011).

There is plenty to see and do at Batoche, even when an event is not on the schedule. Visitors can explore the

Our past, present and future Contributions from Indigenous students, faculty and staff have shaped the University of Saskatchewan for generations, and our relationships and partnerships with Indigenous communities continue to form our path forward. Indigenization, and embracing different ways of knowing, is woven throughout the fabric of our University Plan: nīkānītān manācihitowinihk | ni manachīhitoonaan (The University the World Needs).

Our plan sets forth our intention to prioritize transformative decolonization leading to reconciliation, and sets the stage for all of us to make tangible progress toward a brighter future, enriched by a deeper understanding of our shared history and present opportunities.

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many paths, and also see the land from the water. Canoes and kayaks are available to rent and allow visitors to paddle the South Saskatchewan River, just as the fur traders once did.

Guests can explore Canada’s historic past with the help of a GPS tracker or smart phone. Hidden treasures lead geocachers through the role of women and children in the Northwest resistance, the story of Monsieur Batoche and the tragic events that took place in the rifle pits. Clues may be solved and hidden containers found, leading to a special geo-coin. Short a smart phone? Borrow a GPS at the Visitor Centre to take part in the Seek and Scamper Geocaching Challenge.

The open-sided Batoche Shuttle means that visitors of all mobilities can enjoy the entire experience. The route includes the East Village, home to Louis Riel’s provisional government headquarters and the remains of the good-natured settler and store owner Xavier Letendre’s home.

T he Gabri el Dumo nt Institute of Native Studies and Applied Arts is online at gdins.org, and the Friends of Batoche website is at facebook.com/ friendsbatoche/. Batoche National Historic Site is at tinyurl.com/CanadaBatoche.